I will not go necessarily to the whole technical features that everyone can read in the product description here. Rather, I agree to the (for me) really practical things.
Of course, could not use excessive deterioration in quality occur and what was very important to me, it should also have a decent video function exist. From all candidates stood for me at the end of the Panasonic TZ10 and even the Sony HX5V in the excretion. I can test both cams because they Known loan set at my disposal, and so the decision is ultimately fallen on the Sony HX5V.
Why? Well, the undisputed Panasonic a little bit of better in the picture and video quality. If I'd concentrate exclusively on value, then you would have been my choice. BUT. If I really want to have the "super image quality" (by my standards, JAAAA, I know there are better ... * gg *), then I take the Pentax. And in the video quality rather decides the taste. I had the super sharp edge undersigned Video TZ10 almost too artificial. But the decisive factor for me gave very different aspects.
These were on the one hand the really great "Twilight" mode, the HX5V, the more good results in already miserable to be designated as light, can be achieved. Secondly, the "anti-motion blur" mode, which (also in low light conditions) the risk of camera shake greatly reduced, and the third which is also super "Panorama" mode.
So, I have to be honest, as a recording in Twilight mode ... as the Pentax has been quite an effort ... The technique as a recording is as follows: When prints in this mode "shoots" the HX5V in quick succession up to six shots with different exposures, which immediately in the camera are then added together. The result is a recording in which the dark areas brighter and the bright areas were darkened. Just as with HDR images (High Dynamic Range), only without any effort and with a quite a wow factor. You can check immediately how the object look in the display. (Ok ... the display of the TZ10 has a neat higher resolution ... but, let's face it, be regarded recordings but extends to larger monitors, TVs or projectors ... and to control the display HX5V loosely).
This is exactly how the anti-motion blur mode. Here up to six pictures will be recorded in very rapid succession and then added together for a photo. Without any effort and with surprisingly good results.
Even the very simple panorama mode is a class of its own. First one is a menu if you want to swing from right to left, from left to right, from top to bottom, or from bottom to top. That alone is a great thing that you can choose as freely.
Then displays a small rectangle in the display how fast you should swing (slight "irregularities" forgives the camera generous). At the same time we see the progressive recording on the display. In the end, it will take a moment (really only one) and the panoramic shot is ready. Even if the recording people, vehicles or similar move, are these. afterwards sharp and without distortion on the panoramic image And that, after all, even with a resolution of 1080 "lines". Even looks at the Beamer great. When I think how awkward else were those panoramic shots .... tztzzz ...
Unfortunately, the TZ10 does not have all these features. These criteria were decisive for me. Add to that a longer in the Sony battery life, experiences of TZ10-owners show that Panasonic is quite power-hungry. I have two batteries with a complete hockey game in AVCHD recorded, which were about 7.2 GB, and since the second battery was not the limit. In this case, the display ran all the time. Recommendation on my part: Absolutely with larger enterprises always have a full backup battery case, even with the Sony. When Panasonic then probably rather two ...
The Cyber-shot has a very short duration. She is ready to shoot in 2 seconds. I already oppressive during removal from the bag the power button, and until the camera in shooting position is, it is already booted. The zoom moves in photo mode pretty quickly, so only briefly press, then it's okay. The advantage: you do not need to wait until the lens has the correct cut. Like me now, after I've gotten used to it, even better. It is much faster to achieve the desired image. And in the video mode, the zoom moves very well-behaved and moderate in position, so exactly as it should be. Also worth mentioning is the large wide-angle range, the (converted to mm format) begins at least 25mm. Zoom is at the end (converted) 250mm. Really good. (Ok, here the TZ10 is a little better, it also starts at 25mm, but then goes to 300mm telephoto ... I consumption not my Tamron on the Pentax is also of 25-250mm, so no getting used * gg *) ,
Impressively, the continuous shooting mode, up to 10 fps in full frame.
For GPS I can not say much, really I needed him (even) (may still be) no. But the little compass that appears like it already.
In the menu, everyone can find really easy to navigate, I've already found all the same without instructions from the first contact with the Cyber-shot. Really very intuitive.
Possibly worth mentioning is the ability to use two different storage options, on the one hand the very popular SDHC memory card (at least class 4) and, secondly, the Sony Memory Stick Pro and -Memorystick. But these cards can only be used "either-or".
Conclusion:
As I said, the TZ10 is a great camera, but I wanted to have the features described. The fact that Sony was to get something cheaper, really did not affect my buying decision. I am fully satisfied with the camera. Only my Pentax would be not quite on the Cyber-shot, because they must increasingly stay at home.
I'll think permanently, if I think of cons ... hmm ... well, a bit careful you have to, that neither microphones nor flash is obscured by your fingers. But to see this as a drawback ?? Is just that. Some users complain about the "unusual" position of the tripod socket.
But so easily can be changed at least battery or memory card, having to take off the action. So even more of an advantage. Does each decide for themselves. After the thread is solid metal. Like all the camera makes a very solid impression on me. Oh, one disadvantage I find it still got one, but has more to do with the AVCHD format. This is in fact not (yet) recognized by my iMovie. So only the MP4. But with the proceeds the video editing properly and, as far as I'm up to date, Sony is working (or was Apple?) ... It does not matter, it will come.
